Expedition Cooking with the Enoch Royal Knights - LN 6

Expedition Cooking with the Enoch Royal Knights Volume 6 by Mashimesa Emoto, Illustrations by Tera Akai. Translated by Emma Schumacker, Published by Cross Infinite World.
First of all, if you are curious about the series this far in, but haven't been spoiled for anything, I strongly encourage everyone to NOT READ the official synopsis for this one, as it contains huge spoilers.
After the introduction of the "Legendary Hero" character (forgot his name, sorry), I wondered if they would manage to introduce someone to the cast in this volume as well. Luckily, that wasn't the case. This volume spent some much needed time with the cast, not only out doing expeditions, but developing their personal lives as well. We got to see more of Vice Captain Velrey, and even the wedding ceremonies for Captain Ludtink and Marina as well as Garr (and his fiancee).Â
Mell really had some introspection in this one regarding her self-deprecation, and I feel like we learned new things about Zara as well (such as his views on himself and "gender"). Although this series has been cheesy, it's been such a cozy comfort read, with heartwarming characters. The next book is the last one, and I'm dying to read it!
The rest of my impressions are spoilery, so beware!
Spoiler Thoughts
THE CONFESSION FINALLY HAPPENED YAYYYYYY. It was so very sweet, and while I did see it coming, it was also somewhat unexpected as well. I thought their discussion about marriage was very thoughtful and sweet as well, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if there was a wedding for them as well next volume.Now, if you happened to avoid the synopsis spoilers, please avoid this section as well until you've read this volume.
[END OF BOOK SPOILERS]
I thought Mell's ex would show up earlier in the book based on the synopsis, but when I was reading I totally forgot about him. AND THEN HE SHOWS UP AT THE END ;ALKSJFALSFJAL;J. WHY did Mell's deadbeat ex-fiance show up at the end of the volume!? This book basically ended on a huge cliffhanger, and I'm hoping that Mell slaps him (she's too nice for that, she wouldn't). In Japan, volume 6 and 7 were released barely a month apart from each other, but the wait for volume 7 is going to be much longer here since Cross Infinite World hasn't even advertised a possible release date. Anyways, the asshole is trying to drag Mell back to the forest, and I'm hoping she's able to fight him off. He deserves the wrath of the entire squad.